Our Teachers
Christine Harbison Owner, C-IAYT, ERYT500, AHC, CPT, WAET
Owner & Founder, Satya Yoga
I came to yoga the way many people do—thinking it was just another form of exercise. Something that stretched you into shapes and maybe helped you relax a little.
But over time, it became something much more.
Yoga became a way to understand myself, to let go of old expectations, and to move through life with a little more ease and honesty. That shift is what continues to guide both my practice and my work today.
My training began in Buffalo with the Himalayan Institute, where I completed my 200-hour certification, and continued at their ashram in Honesdale, PA for my 500-hour training. From there, I expanded into Ayurveda, becoming a certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor, and later into personal training, wellness coaching, and clinical and orthopedic exercise through the American Council on Exercise.
As a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT), I focus on making yoga and movement accessible—especially for people who may feel like they don’t “fit” in traditional fitness or yoga spaces. Many of my clients are working with pain, injury, or simply trying to find their way back into movement in a way that feels safe and sustainable.
My approach blends yoga therapy, strength training, and Ayurvedic principles into something practical and adaptable—something that actually works in real life.
I also have the honor of working with veterans and active-duty service members as a Warriors at Ease teacher and New York State Ambassador, offering trauma-informed practices for those navigating PTSD, TBI, MST, and other invisible injuries.
Whether in a class or one-on-one, my goal is simple: to create a space where you can feel comfortable, supported, and capable—exactly as you are.
Carolyn: RYT500, AYS
My yoga journey began at a local gym. I first walked into a yoga class because I had a personal trainer who suggested that I take a group class. I think cardio kick or body sculpt was more of what she had in mind, but those classes did not appeal to me. I remember thinking that yoga seemed cool, I liked stretching and an early morning class would fit my schedule. I was a typical yoga beginner. I found a spot in the back corner, hiding as best I could. I would rubberneck constantly.
I looked around the room at everyone else, trying to figure out where to put my body and limbs when asked to, “move into a triangle pose” or any other pose for that matter. But after class, I felt great! I kept going back until it just became part of my routine.
Over the next few years, my interest in yoga began to grow. I moved to the front of the class. I started to take more yoga classes and with different instructors, Christine being one of them. I even moved my mat to the front of the room!
My attention began to shift to proper alignment in poses. I bought a book on yoga anatomy and took a yoga 101 workshop. Then the seed was planted… “why don’t you think about teaching yoga.” It was more of a statement than a question. I began thinking, why not? Teaching yoga sounds pretty cool. My personal yoga practice has grown and made me feel better both inside and out. So why not teach and share this experience with others?
Within the next year, one of the yoga teachers at the gym told me she would be moving. She asked me if I would consider being her replacement and teach the class after she moved. After about a year of teaching at the gym, I enrolled in the Himalayan Institute’s 200-hour teacher certification course here in Buffalo. I am enjoying my ongoing journey through life and yoga. My hope for any individual who decides to give yoga a try is that they begin to enjoy their own journey too.
Bettiemarie: RYT500
Hello, my name is Bettymarie, I am a mom of two children, breast cancer survivor, love to travel (including visiting different yoga studios wherever I am) play pickleball, bowl in addition to practicing and guiding others in their yoga practice. I am currently employed as a Licensed Master Social Worker and School Counselor in the Ken-Ton schools where I get to share the benefits of Mindfulness and Yoga with the students in my building.
I have been practicing yoga over 25 years and it was 10 years ago that I began to explore more deeply the benefits of yoga which had a profound impact on me physically, mentally and spiritually. It was three years ago that I felt a calling to become a teacher and returned to the place that I kept gravitating towards these many years, The Himalayan Institute of Buffalo. It is here where I did my teacher training, completing 500 hours of specific training within the Himalayan tradition. In addition, I have been trained in Trauma-Informed Yoga, Yoga for Children and Teens and the Veterans Yoga Project (I am spouse to a NAVY Veteran and a mom to son who is serving in the Air Force), Mind-Body (American Red Cross – Service to Armed Forces) and a Reiki Practitioner - Level 2.
I look forward to being a part of your journey as you explore the benefits of yoga in your life.